Esther 2
THE QUEST FOR
MAIDENS, AND THE CHOICE OF ESTHER TO
BE QUEEN IN
VASHTI’S PLACE (vs. 1-18). Vashti having
ceased to be queen, Ahasuerus appears
to have been in no haste to assign
her
dignity to any one else. Probably there was no one among his other
(secondary) wives of whom he was
specially fond, or who seemed to him
pre-eminent above the rest. And he may even have begun to relent in
Vashti’s favor (as seems to be somewhat obscurely intimated in v.
1),
and
to wish to take her back. Under these circumstances the officers of his
court would become alarmed. Vashti’s
disgrace had been their doing, and
her
return to power would be likely to be followed by their own dismissal,
or
even by their execution. They therefore came to Ahasuerus
with a fresh
piece of advice: “Let
there be fair young virgins sought for the king; let
officers be appointed in
every province to select fitting damsels, and send
them up to the court,
for the king to choose a wife from among them.” So
sensual a monarch as Xerxes (Herod., 9:108) would be strongly
tempted
by
such a proposal (vs. 2-3). Ahasnerus embraced it at
once (v. 4), and
orders were given accordingly. The quest began, and among other
maidens
selected by the officials as worthy of the royal consideration,
there
happened to be a young Jewess, named Hadassah, the cousin and
adopted
daughter of a Jew called Mordecai, a eunuch attached to the court,
who
had
a house in
and
having been selected by those whose business it was to make the
choice, was conducted to the palace, and placed under the care of
Hegai,
the
eunuch who had the charge of the virgins on their arrival (v. 8).
Hadassah, who on becoming an inmate of the palace received
the Persian
name of Esther (= Stella), attracted at once the special regard of Hegai,
who
granted her various favors (v. 9), and after she had been “purified”
for
a year (v. 12), sent her in her turn to appear before the king (v. 16).
The result was such as Hegai had
perhaps anticipated. Ahasuerus,
preferring her to all his wives and to all the other virgins,
instantly made
her
his queen, placed the crown royal upon her head, and celebrated the
joyful occasion by a grand feast, and a general remission of
taxation for a
specified period (vs. 17-18). Thus
the humble Jewish maiden, the orphan
dependent for her living on a cousin’s charity, became the first
woman in
all
empire which comprised more than half of the known world.
1 “After
these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was
appeased, he remembered Vashti,
and what she had done, and what
was decreed against her.” After these things. Probably not very long after.
Between the great assembly held in
departure for
more. The application of the officers must have been made to him, and the
directions to seek for virgins given, during this space. Ahasuerus…
remembered Vashti. With favor probably,
or at any rate with regret and
relenting. His anger was appeased, and balancing what she had done in
one
scale, and in the other what had been
decreed against her, he may
have begun to question whether her punishment had not been too severe.
2 “Then
said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, Let there be
fair young virgins sought for the king:” The king’s servants that
ministered unto him. i.e. the great officers of
the court, eunuchs and others,
who
had been more or less concerned in the disgrace of Vashti.
Fair young
virgins. Or, “young virgins fair to look on” (see ch.1:11).
3 “And let
the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that
they may gather together all the fair young
virgins unto Shushan the palace,
to the house of the women, unto the custody
of Hege the king’s chamberlain,
keeper of the women; and let their things for
purification be given them:
4 And let
the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti.
And the thing pleased the king; and he did
so.” The house of the women.
In an Oriental palace the women’s apartments
are always distinct from those
of
the men, and are usually placed in a separate building, which the Greeks
called the gynaeceum, and the Jews “the house of the women.” At
was
a large edifice, and comprised several subdivisions (see v. 14). Hege, the
king’s chamberlain. Literally, “the king’s eunuch, i.e. one of the royal
eunuchs
(see ch.1:10). Keeper of the women. Strictly speaking, Hege seems to have
been keeper of the virgins only (see v. 14); but he may have exercised a
certain
superintendence over the entire gynaeceum. Their things for purification.
See v. 12. Such a divinity lodged in the Persian king that even pure
maidens
had
to be purified before approaching him! It
would have been well if the
divinity had been himself less impure.
5 “Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name
was Mordecai, the son of Jair,
the son of Shimei, the son of
Benjamite;” Now in Shushan… there was a certain Jew. Hitherto the
narrative has been a mere story of the Persian court. Now at last a
Jew is
brought on the scene, very abruptly; and the history is to a
certain extent
attached to the other sacred books, and assigned its place, by the
genealogy which follows. Whose
name was Mordecai.
The name
Mordecai must almost certainly be connected with that of Marduk, or
Merodach, the Babylonian and Assyrian god. But it may have been given
to
his son by a Baby-Ionian Jew without any thought of its derivation or
meaning, perhaps out of compliment to a Babylonian friend or
master.
Another Mordecai, also a Jew, is mentioned by Ezra (Ezra
2:2) and
Nehemiah (Nehemiah 7:7).
6 “Who had
been carried away from
which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of
Nebuchadnezzar the king of
Who had been
carried away. The word “who” may
have
either
most grammatical (see
‘Dictionary of the Bible,’ vol. 2. p. 419), to refer it
to
indeed, if we suppose Mordecai to be intended, we must give up
the
identification of Ahasuerus with Xerxes. The captivity which had been
carried away with Jeconiah. There were at least three
captivities of
Jehoiakim (Daniel 1:1), which was B.C. 605;
the second that here
referred to, when Jehoiachin, or Jeconiah, was made prisoner, eight years
later, or B.C. 597; and the third when Zedekiah was taken and
burnt, in B.C. 586.
Nebuchadnezzar…
carried away. See II Kings 24:15;
II Chronicles 36:10;
Jeremiah 24:1.
A Captive Hebrew (vs. 5-6)
Among “the children of the captivity” were
some remarkable instances of
high character, beautiful patriotism, sincere and conspicuous piety. Ezra,
Nehemiah, and Daniel come before the mind of the student of the
later
books of the Old Testament as persons
who would have been an honor to
any nation, any age, any condition of life. Mordecai may claim to rank
with, or only just below, these noble men. His career furnishes us with
several striking illustrations of the wisdom and efficiency of the
plans of
Divine providence. We must not be
discouraged when tyrants and flatterers seem
to
have their own way. The Lord reigneth. He has a thousand ways of fulfilling
His
own purposes. He bringeth the counsel of men
to nought. We must at all
times trust and hope in the Lord. He bringeth
forth their righteousness
as the light,
and
their judgment as the noon-day. Our extremity is his opportunity. They
that
trust in Him SHALL NEVER BE
MOVED!
BEFOREHAND FOR THE EVENTS OF AFTER YEARS. Both in his
rearing and nurturing his young cousin Esther, and in his
preserving the
king’s life by discovering the plot of the eunuchs, Mordecai was
unconsciously preparing himself for the great service which was his
chief
claim to be held in remembrance and honor. How often do we
observe the
same fact — the unconscious
education of His people by the Lord for the
future work to which He destines them!
LOWLIEST TO THE LOFTIEST POSITION. He was a Jew, a captive
exile, a eunuch probably, a servant in some lowly capacity in
the palace.
Yet he came to be acknowledged
as “the
man whom the king delighted to
honor.” (ch.
6:6) He came to be in the king’s favor, “was great in the king’s
house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for
this man
Mordecai waxed greater and greater” (ch. 9:4) and became “next unto king
Ahasuerus.” God, in His
wisdom, often “exalteth them of low degree.”
(Luke 1:52)
UNLIKELIEST INSTRUMENT TO DO GREAT SERVICE. Everything
we know about this man leads us to the belief, that in
selecting him for the
work God chose to do by human means, Divine wisdom evinced
independence of and superiority to the standards and the expectations
of
men. Our confidence should be shaken in the plans of men,
should be
strengthened in the wisdom of God. And we should beware of scorning
any child of God, and of counting the lowly as unworthy of
confidence and
esteem. “Promotion cometh neither from the east, nor
from the west, nor
from the south. But God is the Judge; he putteth
down one, and setteth up
another.” (Psalm 75:6-7)
7 “And he
brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter:
for she had neither father nor mother, and the
maid was fair and
beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother
were dead,
took for his own daughter.” He brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther.
“Hadassah” has been compared with “Atossa,” and “Esther”
with “Amestris;”
but
there is probably no more ground for the one identification
than the other.
Mordecai’s cousin received originally the Hebrew name of
“Hadassah,” a
derivative of hadas “myrtle”
(compare “Susannah” from shushan, “lily”);
but
was subsequently called by the Persians “Esther,” which may either be
Ishtar, “Venus,”
or an equivalent of the Zend ctare,
Mod. Pers.
sitareh,
Greek ajsth>r, Engl. “star,” etc. His
uncle’s daughter.
Therefore his own
first cousin, but probably much younger than himself. Whom
Mordecai…
took for his own
daughter.
Not perhaps By a formal adoption, but by
taking her to live with him, and treating her as if she had been
his own
child. This fact is related to account for the terms of
familiarity between the
two,
which form an essential part of the later narrative. It introduces Mordecai
to
the reader under a favorable aspect, as kindly and benevolent.
Esther (v. 7)
The Jewess after whom this sacred book is called has been
always regarded
by
her nation with affectionate gratitude, on account of the service she
rendered to
character which claim our notice and admiration, and which explain
the
position she holds in the heart of the Hebrew people. We recognize
in
Esther:
adopted by her cousin and senior, Mordecai, who “took
her for his own
daughter,” and “brought
her up.” Accordingly, she treated Mordecai as her
father. His will was law to her. She sought and obeyed his
advice. Even
when upon the throne she did not lose her reverence for the
guardian of
her youth.
place, and in unfamiliar society, and in a difficult position,
Esther
commended herself to the favor of those with whom she was brought
into
contact. Simple, unexacting, compliant, she won all hearts.
influence over the king, who raised her to share his throne. She
evidently
gained her position and influence not
by haughtiness and arrogance, but by
amiability and affection, by humility and grace.
to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see
the destruction of my kindred?” (ch. 8:6) Though raised to be a queen, she
did not forget the people amongst whom her earliest years had
been passed,
and in whose religion she had been trained.
arbitrary and capricious monarch, was placed in a position of
immense
difficulty. She conducted herself with wonderful discretion.
Especially she
knew when to act with a firm though modest boldness. Her whole
conduct,
with regard to Haman and with regard
to Ahasuerus, was marked by
sagacity, patience, and a wise audacity. And it resulted in a
conspicuous
and happy success. The poor orphan
captive came to a throne, and thence
wrote with all authority to confirm decrees, delivered a
nation from
impending peril, and instituted a festival which has lasted
through
centuries of human history.
Adoption (v. 7)
Esther was early left fatherless and motherless, and in her
orphanage found
a
friend and benefactor in Mordecai, her cousin, and evidently her senior by
many years. He adopted her, and treated her as his own child. Under his
roof and protection she lived, until, for her beauty, she was selected for
the
household of the king. This is but one of many illustrations of the
practice
of
adoption issuing in signal advantages to both parties.
Mordecai’s
adoption of her as his own daughter.
Her wants were supplied;
a home was provided for her, a suitable education was given
her, and her
character was trained to habits of obedience and piety. She was protected
from the temptations which might otherwise have assailed a
beautiful
orphan girl. And in due time her station and her work in life were pointed
out by Divine providence.
HIMSELF THROUGH HIS ADOPTION OF ESTHER. His home was
brightened by the presence of a bright and lovely daughter; his heart
was
gladdened by her filial affection and gratitude; his solicitude and
care were
rewarded by her attention to his wishes and compliance with his
admonitions.
And, more than all, the time
came when his adopted daughter was the agent
in saving his life and the life of the community and people
to which they both
belonged. Never could he
regret having received Esther as his own child.
Ever must he have looked back
upon his adoption of her as one of the
wisest acts of his life; as one
which God manifestly smiled upon and
blessed.
RELATION BETWEEN GOD, THE DIVINE FATHER, AND THE
CHILDREN OF HIS SPIRITUAL FAMILY. It is to DIVINE,
ADOPTING LOVE that
we owe our position of privilege, happiness, and
hope. “What manner of love hath the Father
bestowed upon us, that we
should be called the children of God?” (I John 3:1) Happy we if we have
received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba,
Father! (Romans
8:15) What obligations to gratitude and affectionate
obedience are connected
with the pity of God and the grace of Christ, through which we
have been
received into the heavenly family!
Ø
There may be those,
people of good means, and childless especially, who
may do wisely, who may exercise true benevolence, by adopting
an
orphan child, and receiving such a destitute one into their home.
Ø
Adopted children
are laid under a stringent obligation to recompense the
kindness shown them by their benefactors, by their obedience,
devotion,
and anxiety to serve and please.
Ø
Great is the
mercy of God, who invites us, “by
nature children of
wrath,” into His
spiritual family. There can be no question more
momentous for each hearer of the gospel than this: “Am I a child of
God through faith in Christ
Jesus?”
8 “So it
came to pass, when the king’s commandment and his decree
was heard, and when many maidens were gathered
together unto
Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was
brought also unto the king’s house, to the custody
of Hegai, keeper
of the women.” His decree. Literally, “his law” — the same word as that
which occurs in the phrase “the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth
not” (Daniel 6:8, 12, etc.). Hegai. The “Hege” of v. 3. Slight
differences in the mode of spelling names were common at this period.
Esther was brought. Some have rendered, “was forcibly brought;” and in
the
second Targum on Esther there is a story that
Mordecai concealed her
to
prevent her from becoming an inmate of the royal harem, and that the
king’s authority was invoked to force him to give her up; but the
Hebrew
word translated “was brought” does
not contain any idea of violence; and
the
Persian Jews probably saw no disgrace, but rather honor, in one of
their nation becoming even a secondary wife to the great king.
9 “And the
maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him;
and he speedily gave her her
things for purification, with such
things as belonged to her, and seven maidens,
which were meet to
be given her, out of the king’s house: and he
preferred her and her
maids unto the best place of the house of the
women.”
The maiden pleased
him. Literally, “was good in his eyes,”
the
same expression as that which occurs in ch. 1:21.
And she
obtained kindness of him. This is a phrase peculiar to the Book of Esther,
and
a favorite one with the author (see vs. 15, 17; and ch.5:2).
It is better translated “she
obtained favor” (as in all the other places where
it
occurs) than “she obtained kindness,”
though the latter translation is
more literal. Her
things for purification. See v. 12. With such things
as belonged to her. Literally, as in the margin, “with her portions” — by
which is probably meant her daily allowance of food. And seven maidens.
Rather, “and her
seven maidens.” It is implied that each virgin had seven
female attendants assigned to her. Meet to be given her.
It was in this
point that the “favor” or “kindness of Hegel was shown. He
selected for
her
use the most suitable of the attendants.
10 “Esther
had not shewed her people nor
her kindred: for Mordecai had
charged her that she should not shew it.” Esther had not showed her people.
To have confessed that she was a Jewess would probably have
roused a prejudice
against her, or at any rate have prevented her from being received with
special
favor. Mordecai,
knowing this, had instructed her to say nothing to Hegai
on the
subject, and no one else, it would seem, had enlightened him.
11 “And
Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women’s
house, to know how Esther did, and what should
become of her.”
Mordecai seems to have been one of the porters at the main
entrance to the
palace, and his proper place was at the gateway. He contrived,
however,
during some part of each day to visit the court in front-of the
seraglio, in
order to see Esther, or at any rate obtain intelligence
concerning her.
12 Now
when every maid’s turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus,
after that she had been twelve months, according
to the manner of
the women, (for so were the days of their
purifications
accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and
six months
with sweet odors, and with other things for the
purifying of the
women;)” After she had been twelve months, according to the
manner of the women. Rather, “After she
had been (in the palace),
according to the law prescribed to the women, twelve months.” A
year’s
purification was considered necessary before any maiden could approach
the
king (see the comment on v. 3). Six
months with oil of myrrh.
Myrrh was highly esteemed, both for its scent and for its
purifying power,
by
the ancients. In
mummies (Herod., 2:86). The Jews were directed to make it one of
the
chief ingredients in their “holy
anointing oil” (Exodus 30:23-25).
Dresses and beds were scented with it (Psalm 45:8; Proverbs
7:17).
And
six months with sweet odors. The word
translated “sweet odors”
seems to mean “spices” generally (compare Song of Solomon 4:16).
13 “Then
thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she
desired was given her to go with her out of the
house of the women
unto the king’s house.” Then thus came
every maiden, etc. Rather,
“And when each
maiden came thus purified to the king, whatever
she asked
was
given her,” etc. The whole verse is one sentence. The meaning is, that
on
quitting the house of the women for the king’s apartments, each maiden
was
entitled to demand anything that she liked in the way of dress or
ornament,
and
it had to be given her.
14 “In the
evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the
second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the
king’s chamberlain, which kept the concubines:
she came in unto
the king no more, except the king delighted in
her, and that she
were called by name.” On the morrow. Literally, “in the morning.”
The
second house of the women. The gynaeceum comprised at least
three distinct
houses:
1. A residence for the
queen, corresponding to that which Solomon built
for
the daughter of Pharaoh (I Kings 7:8);
2. A house for the
secondary wives, or concubines; and,
3. A house for the
virgins. On returning from her first visit to the king’s
chamber, a woman ordinarily became an inmate of the “second
house.”
This “second house” was under the care of a eunuch called Sha’ashgaz.
15 “Now
when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the
uncle of
Mordecai, who had taken her for his
daughter, was come to go in
unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s
chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And
Esther
obtained favor in the sight of all them that looked
upon her.”
Abihail, the uncle of
Mordecai. Literally, “the
paternal
uncle,” or “father’s brother.” The genealogy may be thus
exhibited: —
Who had taken her
for his daughter (see the comment on v. 7). She
required nothing, etc. Esther would not trust to the extraneous and
adventitious beauty of dress or ornaments, or at any rate would give
herself
no
trouble about such things. If she succeeded, it should be without effort.
Hegai might dress her as he pleased. She left all to him. Esther obtained
favor, etc. Either this is intended as a general assertion — “No
one could
ever see Esther without admiring her and feeling favorably disposed
towards her,” — or it has special reference to the particular
occasion —
“No one who saw Esther on this evening but admired her and
felt well
disposed towards her.”
Favor with Men (v. 15)
We read of Esther that “the maiden pleased” the custodian,
and that “she
obtained kindness of him;”
that she “obtained favor in the sight of all them
that looked upon her;” that
she “obtained
grace and favor in the sight of
the king
more than all the virgins.” Thus she obtained the influence which
she
used to so good and benevolent purpose in after years.
OUR FELLOW-BEINGS IS GAINED. Natural endowments are the
easiest passport to general favor. A handsome presence, beautiful
features, a winning voice, natural and graceful manners, all have
great
immediate influence with society generally. Genius and heroism,
learning
and accomplishments, birth and station, all these contribute
to popularity.
It seems a very easy thing for
some persons to become general favorites;
yet many of the qualities which secure favor are the result of
painstaking
and study. In the case of Esther, her extreme beauty, and the
simplicity and
humility of her demeanor, and the modesty and integrity of her
character,
all contributed to make her the favorite of the king, and the
court, and the
people.
Men will listen to the counsels
or the requests of those who enjoy their
affection and esteem. In all stations of life there are those who,
being in
favor, are therefore in power. Esther used the influence — which
another
in her position might have employed for selfish ends — for
the public
good. But had she not won esteem and confidence she would have
been
without the power to do the great service she rendered.
RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS WISE EMPLOYMENT. How often have
kings’ favorites used their influence for sordid and vile
purposes! And
how often is popularity prostituted to base ends! Like other “talents,” the
favor a Christian enjoys should be used for the promotion of the
cause of
righteousness and human happiness. For the employment of this, as of
other sources of influence, men must give at last an account to God.
The young should cultivate qualities and habits which may
give them
favor with men. We have
the Scriptural admonition, “be courteous”
(I Peter 3:8). And we read that the Lord Jesus “grew
in favor with God and
men.” (Luke
2:52) Those
who enjoy favor should endeavor, with watchfulness
and prayer, to use the gift for the good of their fellow-men and the glory of
God.
16 “So
Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house
royal in
the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of
his reign.”
The tenth month, which is the month Tebeth. This is the
only mention of the month Tebeth in Scripture. It
followed Chisleu, and
corresponded to the end of December and the earlier part of January.
The
word seems to have come in from
was
called Tobi, or Tubi. In the seventh year of his
reign.
Four years
after the disgrace of Vashti, probably
in January, B.C. 479. Xerxes had
recently returned from the Grecian expedition defeated and
disgraced. He
was
glad to dismiss warlike matters from his thoughts, and to console
himself for his failure by the pleasures of the seraglio.
The Pagan Harem and the
Every one is inclined to feel kindly toward the orphan
Esther, who, at her
own
great risk, rendered such signal service to her race. But her
introduction to us as one of the candidates for royal favor, among
several
other women of the harem, is far from pleasing. Under the
teaching and
influence of Christian truth we have formed habits and acquired
instincts
and
sensibilities which are so far removed from those of Eastern lands, that
it
is difficult to read, without a strong prejudice, even this purely-written
page. We have suggested to us:
provinces (v. 8), the fairest and finest being taken from their
parents and
friends, a large part of the palace specially assigned them before
admission
to the king s chamber (Ibid.), and another devoted to them
afterwards,
when they had become his concubines (v. 14); the extensive and
protracted preparation, or “purification,” including everything
that could
conduce to bodily comeliness and sensuous gratification, and
extending
over an entire year (v. 12); the introduction to the royal
presence after a
choice made by the maiden herself of whatever she thought would
adorn
her person (vs. 13-14). In all this we have an extravagant and evil
provision for one man’s satisfaction. Well had Samuel warned his
countrymen (I Samuel 8.) against the monarchy of those times and
lands.
It meant the elevation of a
single individual to a post of such dignity and
power that the people were much at his mercy and held their
life, property,
and honor at the caprice
of one erring and passionate mortal.
How
excellent and how pleasing to be led away in our thought by the
suggestion
of contrast from the heathen harem to THE
based on mutual spiritual attachment. It is spiritual; for the love which
precedes
and justifies a union of man and wife is not an ignoble
passion nursed by
such sensuous attractions as the king’s chamberlain spent his
ingenuity in
perfecting; it is a beautiful
combination of esteem and affection;
the pure
admiration which is felt for the beauty of virtue, for spiritual graces,
as well
as for fineness of form and sweetness of face. It is mutual. No union is
sacred, in Christian morality, if the love of the one is not
returned by the
affection of the other. And, therefore, it is lasting; not lingering for a
few
weeks or months at most, but extending
through the whole life, and
becoming more real as the years go by. Begun in youth, it
glows in prime,
and shines with serene and steady light through declining
years. Let us
mark here a proof of the excellency
of our holy faith. One of the very
worst consequences of the reign of sin in this world is the
degradation of
woman. Meant to be man’s
helpmeet and companion as he walks the path
of life, she became, under its dominion, the mere victim of
his ignoble
passion. But what has the Christian faith done for woman, and
through her
for society? It has introduced such purity and elevation of spirit, that it is
painful even to read a page like this; so that it has become a “shame
to us
even to speak of those things done in secret” (Ephesians 5:12), of the things
heathenism does without any shame at all. What a contrast between the
Christian home, at this day, and
the home of the Mahommedan and the
heathen! The Christian home is the handiwork of Jesus Christ.
(vs.
16-17). It is true that (vs. 6-7) Mordecai was a kindly and
generous man, treating his uncle’s daughter, Esther, as his own
child; it is
true that the “fair and beautiful” Esther was
modest, and cared not to deck
and trim herself with ornaments, that “she required nothing but what
Hegai, the king’s chamberlain, …
appointed” (v. 15). But we should not
have supposed that God would condescend to use such a heathen
custom
as this to place one of His people on the Persian throne,
and, by such
means, to provide for the rescue of the Jewish race. Yet He did.
He thus
brought it about, in His providence, that one who feared Him and
was
disposed to serve His chosen people “obtained grace and favor in the
sight” of the king (v.
17), and had “the royal crown set upon her head.”
He who “makes the wrath of man to praise
Him” (Psalm 76:10) can make
other passions of men to serve Him. We must not be hasty in
concluding that
God is not working in some
sphere, or by some instrument, because it may
seem to us unlikely. God not only rules, BUT OVERULES. And when we
can take no part in institutions, or are obliged to refuse to
enter circles, or can
have no fellowship with men, because to do so would compromise
our principles,
we may stand by and pray that the overruling hand of Heaven
will compel
even those things, or those men, to subserve His cause and the welfare of
the world.
heathenism and Mahommedanism perish — and
both are “marked to fall”
— such
a system as that described in this chapter becomes impossible. In
place of it is the purifying
influence of the Christian home. What flowers
and fruits of virtue, wisdom, kindness, diligence, purity,
bloom and ripen
there. The future of
the world is in the Christian parent’s hand. Let the
fathers and the mothers of Christendom do their duty in:
Ø
teaching the
truth of Christ, and in
Ø
training their
sons and daughters in all Christian virtues, and
then there will go forth an influence for good which shall
PERMEATE AND
REGENERATE THE WORLD!
17 “And
the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained
grace and favor in his sight more than all the
virgins; so that he set
the royal crown upon her head, and made her
queen instead of
Vashti.” Above all the women. i.e. “above all his former secondary
wives, as well as above all the virgins.” The
royal crown. See the comment
on
ch. 1:11.
Esther made Queen (v. 17)
History records many strange vicissitudes of fortune. The
beggar is raised
from the dunghill to the palace; the wealthy is brought to poverty; those
once flattered and caressed are forgotten or despised. In Scripture history
the
Arab sheik becomes the father of nations; the boy sold into bondage
becomes the prime minister of the greatest of states; the deserted
babe
becomes the mighty leader of a people; the shepherd lad becomes
the
renowned king of
despised Mordecai, becomes the successor to Vashti,
and the queen of
Ahasuerus, king of
UNCERTAINTY AND MUTABILITY OF HUMAN LIFE. Here how
true it is that “nothing continueth
in one stay!” As the ancients figuratively
expressed it, “Fortune is ever turning her wheel.” We know that the hand
of a wise and overruling
changes which occur in human life. We should learn not to think too much
of circumstances, but to seek in every state to be content
(Philippians 4:11),
and to be ready to profit spiritually by all events, and to
turn every position
in which we are placed into an opportunity for serving and
glorifying God.
CHARACTER. There
are some weak and worthless natures which cannot
endure when put thus to the proof. Such persons when raised to a
lofty
station forget, despise, or disown former friends. Other and
nobler natures
are benefited by promotion. Such persons retain kindly recollection
of
former associates, carry with them into new positions the ancient
sympathies, even enlarged and refined, and, above all, retain the sweet
grace of humility.
Esther forgot not the friend of her youth, forgot not the
people from whom she had received her knowledge of the true God.
And
she demeaned herself with the exquisite grace of lowliness
when exalted to
a throne.
USEFULNESS. Every
station in life affords scope for serving our
fellowmen. But a station of eminence and authority has preeminent
advantages of this kind. Noble natures value rank chiefly for this
reason,
that it imparts facilities to public services. To Esther there came one
great
and signal opportunity of serving her kindred and nation, an
opportunity
for which she was indebted to her position as consort of the king of
And she
did not neglect to avail herself of the opportunity thus placed
within her reach.
GRATITUDE AND AFFECTION. Esther used her position in
such a way that she has been held by the nation she rescued
from ruin in
lasting and grateful remembrance. Those who employ power for self-
aggrandizement will, by just minds, be contemned; but all who toil “not
for their own, but for their people’s good,” will have their record in the
grateful hearts alike of contemporaries
and of posterity.
18 “Then
the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his
servants, even Esther’s feast; and he made a
release to the
provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of
the king.”
Then the king made
a great feast. As Persian kings
were in
the
habit of doing on every joyful occasion. Even Esther’s feast. It seems
to
be meant that the feast was one which continued to be spoken about,
and
which was commonly known under this title. And he made a release
to the provinces. As the Pseudo-Smerdis had done
when he usurped the
throne (Herod., 3:67). A “release” was an exemption from
taxation, or
from military service, or from both, for a specified period. And gave gifts,
according to the state of
the king. Literally, that is,
“in right royal
fashion” (see ch. 1:7). The practice of
making presents, so common
in
the East at all times, was much in vogue among the Persians, and was
practised especially by the monarchs (Herod., 1:136; 3:135; 7:26; Xen.,
‘Cyrop.,’ 8:2, § 7, et seq.; ‘Anab.,’
1:9, § 22, etc.).
MORDECAI’S DISCOVERY OF A PLOT
AGAINST
AHASUERUS’ LIFE (vs.19-23).
Some time after Esther had been made queen,there was a second collection of
virgins at
were probably of small importance. At this time (v. 21) Mordecai,
still serving in
his
humble office at the palace gate, from which he had not been advanced, since
Esther had told no one that he was her relation (v. 20),
happened to
detect a conspiracy against the king’s life, which had been
formed by two
of
the palace eunuchs, Bigthan and Tercsh,
whom Ahasuerus had somehow
offended (v. 21). Being still in the habit of holding communication
with
Esther, Mordecai was able to make her acquainted with the
facts, of which
she
then informed the king, telling him how she had obtained her
knowledge (v. 22). There was nothing surprising or suspicious in a
eunuch of the palace having had speech with the queen, especially
when he
had
intelligence of such importance to impart to her. On inquiry, the king
found that Mordecai’s information was correct; the conspiracy
was laid
bare, and the conspirators put to death (v. 23) — the facts being, as was
sure to be the case, entered in the court chronicle, a daily record of the
life
of
the court, and of the circumstances that befell the king. It was to have
been expected that Mordecai would have been rewarded for his zeal; but
somehow or other it happened that his services were overlooked he
was
neither promoted from his humble office, nor did he receive any
gift
(ch.
6:3). This was quite contrary to ordinary Persian practice; but
the
court generally may .have disliked Mordecai because he was a Jew.
Release and Gifts (v. 18)
Esther’s marriage was celebrated in a manner intended and
fitted to
impress the nation with a sense of the favor and honor with which
she
was
regarded by the “great king.” There was a great feast at
metropolis might have an opportunity of honoring the new queen. And
throughout the kingdom there took place, according to the command of
Ahasuerus, such celebrations and observances as were in accordance
with
Oriental customs. Particularly are mentioned the releases or remissions —
it
may be presumed from taxation or military service; and the gifts —
probably of robes, and in some cases of jewels. We may regard these
tokens of kingly favor as emblematic
of the blessings provided by Divine
mercy in the gospel of Christ for the sinful and needy children of men.
RELEASE AND REMISSION.
Ø From the service of Satan.
Ø From the thraldom
and punishment of sin.
Ø By the redemption
of his Son, Jesus Christ.
NUMEROUS AND PRICELESS GIFTS.
Ø
As the condition and
means of all other benefactions regard Him
who is “the unspeakable Gift.” (II Corinthians 9:15)
Ø
The gift of the
Holy Ghost.
Ø
The gift of eternal
life.
Ø
Remember that all the bounties of Divine providence come
to us
as proofs of the Father’s love, and through the mediation of
Christ.
We should rejoice in the bountiful mercies of God! (I was thinking in walking
up to the house after church tonight, thanking God for even the least of His
mericies
and I got to thinking: None of God’s mercies are little! ALL ARE
GREAT! CY – 2014)
19 “And
when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then
Mordecai sat in the king’s gate.” When the virgins
were gathered together.
Rather, “When
virgins.” There is no article. The fact seems to
be mentioned simply
as furnishing a date, and we must suppose
both that there was a second
gathering, and that the time when it happened was generally known to
the
Jews and Persians. Then Mordecai sat, etc. The three verses, 19, 20, 21,
hang together, and form a single sentence: “When virgins were gathered
together a second time,
and Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate — now
Esther had not showed
her kindred or her people, as Mordecai had charged
her; for Esther did
the command of Mordecai like as when she was brought
up with him — in
those days, while Mordecai sat in the king’s gate,
Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, being of the number of
them which kept the
threshold, were wroth,” etc.
20 “Esther
had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as
Mordecai
had charged her: for Esther did the
commandment of Mordecai,
like as when she was brought up with him.” Esther had not yet showed, etc.
This is inserted to account for the humble position still occupied
by Mordecai.
In the East a person’s relations usually rise with him; and the
reader would
naturally expect that when Esther was once queen, Mordecai would have become
rich and great. Esther’s silence accounts for Mordecai’s low estate;
Mordecai’s
command (see v. 10) accounts for Esther’s silence. For Esther did the
commandment of Mordecai. The royal
dignity did not change Esther’s
heart. She was still the dutiful child she had been so many
years. Mordecai
had
forbidden her to tell her kindred; he had not removed his prohibition,
so
she had kept silence.
Esther (vs. 5-20)
The strange plan adopted for the providing of a new queen
in the room of
Vashti resulted in a good choice. We need not assume that
Esther was a
willing- candidate for royal honors. The account we have favors
the
belief that she passively yielded to a power which she could not
resist.
Among the attractive qualities she possessed, we may
notice:
is not to be despised. It is one of God’s gifts, and has much
power in the
world. Yet it exposes the
soul to special danger. When not sanctified and
guarded by the grace of God, it becomes a ready minister to vanity and
varied sin. Moreover, it is frail and precarious. A temporary illness
will
destroy the brightest beauty. A few years will wrinkle the face of
youth,
and give a tottering gait to the most graceful form.
avoided all arts to adorn it and increase its effects on others. Modesty is a
lovely grace which adds a new charm to the highest physical
beauty. It
conciliates and wins by its own gentle force. An immodest assertion of
one’s self in any circumstances indicates either a
want of moral
sensitiveness, or a
want of intellectual sight. A pure
heart, a true
self-knowledge, and the fear of God, are all and always modest.
prudence. This was the result not of skilful planning, but of a
good
training, and of a modesty which quickly saw what was becoming. She
made no effort to please (v. 15). The very simplicity and
artlessness of
her conduct won her the favor of the king’s servants, and
finally drew to
her the preference of the king himself. Truth and wisdom are one. There is
no brighter jewel in womanly character than the discretion
which reflects a
simple and true heart (Proverbs 11:22).
her daughter-like fidelity to her foster-father Mordecai, both
before and
after her election to the throne. She admired, loved, and
trusted him. and
submitted as a child to his guidance. Young people dislike restraint, and
long for the freedom of independence before they are ready to
bear the
responsibility of it. They often fret under the wise and affectionate
safeguards which their parents impose.
Yet in after life most men and
women are willing to confess that they were very ignorant in
youth, and
that it would have been well for them if they had understood
better, and
followed more fully, the parental admonitions which seemed so irksome.
came upon her. This is first and best seen in her unchanging
regard for the
man who had been the guardian of her orphaned childhood and
youth. Her
elevation to Vashti’s place made no
change in her reverent affection for
Mordecai. We read that she “did
the commandments of Mordecai like as
when she was brought up with him” (v. 20). A very beautiful and
instructive example! Changes in
condition often work sad changes in heart
and conduct. Many grow
false to themselves and their past, and to those
who formed the chief good of their past, when some tide of
prosperity
raises them into a higher social circle, and creates new ties
which can have
no sympathy or connection with the old ones. Nothing
is more despicable
than that pride of worldly advancement which forgets or looks
coldly on
early friends whose humble fidelities of affection may have laid
the
foundation of future success.
There is a higher beauty than the physical. In all precious
qualities beauty of
mind and heart far transcends the most brilliant beauty of
face or form.
(I know I have seen some pretty ugly people in my life as
well as some
ugly pretty people! – CY – 2014) The “beauties
of holiness” are the best
adornments of man or woman. “Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary”
(Psalm 96:6). “
Church is, “Let the beauty of
the Lord our God be upon us” (Ibid.
ch.90:17).
There is a better
possession than worldly rank. The treasure of a good
understanding in the fear of the Lord is of more value than any grandeur of
outward circumstance. A soul
that is humble, patient, trustful, loving, holy,
Christlike, has riches that all the gold of Ophir
or the diamonds of
the
greatest earthly throne (Ecclesiastes 7:12; Matthew 6:19-21; John 6:27).
The importance of early training cannot be over
stressed! Youth
is the seed-time.
Seeds are then sown which, in the after life, will surely
bring forth fruit either good
or
evil. Well-meaning parents may be
sometimes unwise, and well-trained children
may
sometimes go astray; but the rule is — “Train up a child in the way he
should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
Esther may be taken as an illustration of the powerlessness
of worldly influences to
change the feelings of the heart, or the judgments of the mind,
or the
government of the life, in the ease of one who in early youth has
been trained, under
loving care, in the principles and practices of a holy religious
life.
The truth of the saying, “Man proposes, but God disposes.”
In all the
incidents connected with Esther’s election to be queen we see the
guidance
of
an invisible hand. The narrative is brief, simple, and artless; but on that
very account it impresses us all the more with the
conviction of a Divine
purpose and leading.
Mordecai (vs. 5-20)
Mordecai possessed a lofty nature, and was destined to do
great things; but
our
notice of him here is restricted to his relation to Esther up to the time
when she was made queen. He presents to our view:
parents he “took her for his own daughter.” His
heart and home were at
once opened to the little orphaned girl. The natures of men
vary greatly.
Some are born tender, some hard;
but all may do much to cultivate the
softer affections of sympathy and love. The ties of kindred and
friendship
afford many opportunities for their exercise.
Esther was in accordance with
the spirit of the Mosaic legislation. As a
good Jew, he could scarcely have done otherwise. This, however,
does not
detract from the pure benevolence of his conduct. The good actions
of
religious people are often regarded as mechanical and constrained,
as
springing rather from a slavish fear of authority than from a
willing and
loving heart. On this point observe:
Ø
That natural light and
strength are insufficient. All history and
experience teach that when left to himself
man becomes hard-hearted
and cruel in his self-regard.
Ø
That a Divine
revelation of truth with respect to relative and other duties
is an unspeakable benefit. It is a
clear light amidst the
dark confusions of
sin.
Ø
That good natural dispositions are purified and strengthened
by a
reverence for Divine truth.
Mordecai, apart from religious influence,
might have charged himself with the care of his orphaned
relative; but,
if so, his sense of
obligation to Jehovah’s law would deepen his
compassionate interest, and
give a sacredness to the adopted duties
of fatherhood. Our relationship with God adds power and freedom
to the exercise of all affections that are unselfish and
good.
grudged place that Mordecai gave to his cousin in his family. He
did not
put her there, and then allow her to grow up neglected. There
is much
significance in the words “he brought her up.” They imply, as
the result
shows, that he bestowed loving attentions on her; that he
trained her
carefully, tenderly, and religiously. It is not enough to
acknowledge duty;
the important thing is to discharge it. “If ye know these things, happy
are
ye if ye do them”
(John 13:17).
her adopted home, Mordecai had time to speak to her words of
comfort
and instruction. One piece of advice he gave her was that she
should keep
secret her lineage or nationality (v. 10). It was meant to
protect her from
needless humiliations and troubles, and perhaps to remove a hindrance
to
her reaching the dignity of wifehood and queenhood.
From this fact we
gather that the fatherly Mordecai spent the moments that preceded
the
parting in administering solace and courage and wise counsel to
the
trembling maiden. A true love never fails, and it shines brightest
in the
sympathies and succors which suffering claims. Of Jesus, our example,
the writer of Hebrews says “For in that He Himself hath
suffered
being tempted, He is able to succor them that are tempted.” (Hebrews
2:18)
charge whom God had entrusted to him when she was removed into
another sphere. Separation did not diminish his love or relax his
care. He
had evidently an appointment which allowed him to be near her;
for we
read in v. 11 that he “walked every day before the court of the
women’s
house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.” Some
parents think that when they get their children off their hands,
as it is
called, they have met every obligation of duty. Mordecai thought
and acted
differently, and in this he was a type of
Christ, who, having loved us from
the first, loved us to the last (John 13:1); who, when we were led captive by sin,
still loved and cared for us, and became Himself our ransom;
who, now that
He is ascended
above all heavens, is still ever near to guide us by His word
and Spirit in the way that leads to a crown and throne
immortal. “Lo, I am
with you alway,
even unto the end of the world”
(Matthew 28:20).
As followers of God and His Christ, we should consider the
orphaned
and
needy (Psalm 68:5; James 1:27). God
blesses those who, like Himself, are
compassionate and merciful.
Mordecai was amply rewarded for all his faithful
and
loving care of the orphan child, in the beautiful, modest, wise, winning,
courageous, and pious woman who became the queen of
Worldly policy (v. 20)
A superficial view might lead to an unqualified admiration
of Esther and
Mordecai, the principal characters in the
scene before us. And not without
reason, for they exemplify in their conduct some of the nobler
qualities of
human nature. With regard to Esther, note:
1. That she remembered in her prosperity
the associations of the past.
This did credit both to her head and to her heart; it
evinced her sound sense
as
well as her humble-mindedness. It is
pitiable to witness sometimes the
way in which those who have risen in the world forget their
lowly origin;
they look down with contempt upon those who are still in the
position
which they themselves once occupied; and nothing wounds their
pride
more keenly than the slightest allusion to the home of their
childhood. But
such a miserable display of weakness only
degrades them in the estimation
of
all right-minded men. Esther was very different from this. Amidst the
splendors of the royal palace she could not forget her former
obscure lot.
And this must have been an ennobling power in her soul,
elevating her
above the corrupt
influences of a profligate court.
2. That she showed gratitude to the man who
had befriended her in
adversity. She had been left a
helpless orphan; and must have been thrown
upon the mercy of a heartless world, had it not been for the timely aid
of
her generous kinsman. But there are natures upon whom such services
make no lasting impression. They are altogether absorbed in self.
Affluence, luxury, ease,
harden their hearts, and make them utterly
insensible even to the claims of gratitude. But Mordecai’s kindness to
Esther embraced her entire being; it pervaded all the
motives which
fashioned her life. Whenever she hesitated how to act, she would put
to
herself the question, “What would Mordecai advise?” and upon the
answer
would depend her course of conduct. And this is the highest
style of
affection, which issues in obedience, self-renunciation, submission
to
another’s will. With regard to Mordecai, note:
3. That he had made the greatest sacrifice
for the sake of another. He
must have loved Esther deeply, tenderly, devotedly. And no wonder. Her
beautiful form, and still more beautiful soul, could not have
developed
themselves beneath his eye without stealing away his heart. But when
the
grand prospect of her being raised to the throne presented
itself, he
hesitated not to give her up. So far we are constrained to admire.
But
deeper reflection makes us pause. In this most important juncture
they
seem to have been too completely actuated by mere POLICY. That success
crowned their efforts is no excuse for their conduct. On the same
ground
you
might justify some of the most hideous stratagems ever devised by
depraved ingenuity. Never let
the dazzling glare of the prosperity
sometimes attendant upon false moves make us blind to the beauty of
eternal principles. Nor
can they be excused on the ground that they were
carrying out the designs of
justify the conduct of Joseph’s brethren in selling their brother,
and even
the
conduct of the Jews in crucifying the Saviour. What
is POLICY? It is
the
substitution of the expedient for the right. It is the spirit which
constantly asks, What will best
promote our own interests? instead of
asking, What will best satisfy the immutable claims
of justice, truth, and
honour? Observe:
inordinate love of the present, the sensual, the temporal, with
corresponding’ neglect of the
future, the spiritual, the eternal.
Any line of
conduct that is prompted by this temper of the heart must be
accounted
worldly. Esther had set her mind upon the crown, and Mordecai
supported
her ambitious views. From a heathen standpoint it was a
glorious prize, but
to a Jew it was a forbidden acquisition. Probably they
contrived to conceal
from themselves their real aim by investing it with fictitious
attributes.
Ø
Esther might have
desired to elevate the religious tone of the court by
gradually making known the God of Israel.
Ø
Mordecai might have
hoped to serve his nation by placing at the seat of
power one who would be willing to help them in time of need. But
wrong can never be right. We may glorify it with fine names,
forgetting
that a change of name
does not necessarily imply a change of nature.
Let us consider how policy
affects men’s conduct in politics, in religion,
and in private life.
o
In politics. Wars are sometimes undertaken, with the professed
aim of extending to benighted races the blessings of civilization
and Christianity, whose real object may be to flatter national
vanity, and satisfy the greed of rulers. Thus base acts acquire
a dignity from the halo cast around them by high-sounding
names.
o
In religion. Men will contend for
the success of a religious party,
with whose prosperity their own honor is bound up, under the
mistaken notion that they are fighting the battles of religion
itself.
Like the idol-makers who defended
the faith of their ancestors
by crying out, “Great is the Diana of the Ephesians,”
(Acts
19:34) while they thought of nothing so much as the gains of
their own craft.
o
In private life.
Think of illegitimate trades. They are
engaged in
simply because they happen to be lucrative. A man opens a gin
palace, and finds that his coffers are rapidly filling with gold.
(a
la Drug Dealer – CY – 2014) To allay any
qualms of
conscience which may occasionally disturb his peace, tie
pictures to himself the vast power for good which an
accumulated fortune may place at his command; but in his
heart of hearts HE REALLY WORSHIPS WEALTH!
crown which Esther sought to secure was a lawful object of an
Israelite’s
desire, how did she endeavor to accomplish her purpose?
Ø
By contracting an
alliance with a heathen monarch, which the Jews,
as God’s chosen people, were expressly forbidden to do.
Ø
By becoming that monarch’s
concubine before she became his wife.
The loose notions in
reference to this amidst which she had been
educated may explain her conduct, but cannot justify it. It may
also
be urged that she had no option in the matter, that the
monarch’s will
would brook no opposition, that disobedience might bring death.
The
only reply is that death is better than dishonor.
Ø
By having recourse to
duplicity. She never made known her people, for
fear it might interfere with her chance of promotion. In all
this it is
evident that Esther — and Mordecai, her adviser, too — had thought
more of what was expedient than what was right. Note:
o That the
conduct of good people, even in the most important
transactions, are not always to be imitated. Not only in small
matters, but also in great matters, are they liable to err.
Precedent
is a poor standard to appeal to, for it
may mislead us when the
most momentous principles are at stake. (As the culture of
contemporary
2014)
o That true
heroism, consists in doing right, irrespective
of the
consequences. This heroism has its
type in Daniel rather than in
Esther; in Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego rather than
in
Mordecai. If you want to see the highest heroism, you need not
gaze upon the battle-field, where men, through the maddening
excitement of the conflict, defy death at the cannon’s mouth,
for there it cannot be found. Rather let your wondering
eyes be directed to the martyr dying at the stake, to the
pioneer
of truth braving the scorn of the world, to the patient
worker for
the common good who toils in obscurity, and seeks no higher
reward than the approval of his own conscience.
21 “In
those days, while Mordecai sat in the king’s gate, two of the
king’s chamberlains, Bigthan
and Teresh, of those which kept the
door, were wroth, and sought to lay hands on
the king Ahasuerus.”
In
those days. Or, “at that
time” — i.e. at the time when the
second gathering of the virgins took place (see v. 19). Two of the king’s
chamberlains. Rather, “eunuchs.” Bigthan, or Bigthana (ch. 6:2),
is
probably the same name as the Bigtha of ch.1:10, and
possibly
the
same personage. Teresh is not mentioned elsewhere. Of those which
kept the door. Two of the eunuchs who guarded the entrance to the king’s
sleeping apartment. This was a position of the highest possible
trust, and
gave conspirators a terrible advantage. Xerxes actually lost his life
through
a
conspiracy formed by Artabanus, the captain of his
guard, with
Aspamitras, a eunuch and chamberlain (Ctes., ‘Exc. Pers.,’ § 29).
22 And the
thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the
queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in
Mordecai’s name.”
Josephus says that a certain Pharnabazus,
a slave of one of the conspirators,
betrayed them to Mordecai (‘Ant. Jud.,’ 14:6, § 4). One of the Targums on Esther
attributes his discovery of the plot to his knowledge of languages.
But it is
probable that these are mere guesses. And Esther certified the king
thereof. The original is simpler, “And Esther told it to the king.”
In
Mordecai’s
name. Mordecai’s
name thus came first before the king.
Esther mentioned him as her informant, but did not say that
he was related
to
her (compare ch.8:1).
23”And
when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out;
therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it
was written in the
book of the chronicles before the king.” The subsequent history shows that
Mordecai’s information was found to be correct, since he
was ultimately
adjudged to have deserved the highest possible reward (ch. 6:6-10).
The two conspirators were condemned to death and hanged on a tree, i.e.
crucified or impaled, as traitors and rebels commonly were in
Herod., 3 159; 4:43; ‘Behist. Inscr.,’
col. 2. pars. 13, 14; col. 3.
par. 8).
And it was written
in the book of the chronicles. Historiographers
were
attached to the Persian court, and attended the monarch wherever he
went.
We find them noting down facts for Xerxes at Doriscus (Herod., 7:100),
and
again at
acta diurna of the early
specially noted whatever concerned the king. Ctesias
pretended to have
drawn his Persian history from these “chronicles” (up. Diod.
Sic., 2:32),
and
Herodotus seems to have obtained access to some of them (see the
writer’s ‘Herodotus,’ Introduction, ch.
1.h p. 56). Before
the king. i.e. “in
the
king’s presence.” This was not always the case; but when the matter
was
very important the king exercised a supervision over what was written.
Written, But Not Remembered (v. 23)
“It was written in the book of the chronicles before the
king.” The king had
been delivered from danger, but he seems to have overlooked the deliverer.
Ahasuerus had at least one faithful subject, Mordecai. This man had
proved
his
loyalty by his acts, while Bigthan and Teresh paid the penalty of
disloyalty by being hung. Criminals and the righteous were alike
spoken of,
in
the chronicles of the king.
IS LIKELY TO FORGET. Ahasuerus commanded Mordecai’s
act to be
recorded. He intended to reward him. Mordecai doubtless expected
some
recognition of his services, but he was for a long time disappointed.
It is a
“black
blot” on the name of Ahasuerus that he forgot his
indebtedness.
KINDLY THOUGHTS.
(“For God is not unrighteous to forget
your work and labor of love, which ye
have showed toward His
name.” CY – 2014) All are written in His book of remembrance
(Malachi 3:16). He, the King of
kings, gives reward beyond our
deserts. We should remember how much we owe to Christ, who is the
good Mordecai who warns and saves us. We should write it in our
memories that we owe everything to Him for His grace and forbearance.
Not until we reach
the other world, and look over life’s history, shall we
know how much we owe to Him.
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